In This Article
Tesla Malaysia has quietly removed the Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive from its Malaysian lineup, leaving buyers with one less option in what was already a streamlined range. If you’ve been eyeing the tesla model 3 malaysia discontinued variant — the dual-motor Long Range — here’s everything you need to know about what happened, what’s still available, and whether you should pivot to an alternative.
The move was spotted in early April 2026 when the Long Range AWD variant vanished from Tesla’s online configurator. As of now, only two demo units remain in inventory. No official statement has been issued by Tesla Malaysia, but the timing coincides with the launch of the refreshed Tesla Model Y range — suggesting Tesla is streamlining its sedan lineup to avoid internal competition.
What Exactly Was Discontinued?
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD was the sweet spot of the Model 3 range — a dual-motor setup that offered all-wheel drive grip, strong range, and a price tag below the Performance variant. It was priced at RM199,000 after the October 2025 price reduction (down from RM210,000).
Key specs of the now-discontinued variant:
- Drivetrain: Dual motor, all-wheel drive
- Range: ~600 km (WLTP)
- 0-100 km/h: ~4.4 seconds
- Price: RM199,000
For many Malaysian buyers, the Long Range AWD represented the best balance of performance and value in the Tesla sedan lineup. Its removal means the Model 3 Performance (at RM229,000) is now the only dual-motor, AWD option available.
ALSO READ: Cheapest EVs in Malaysia 2026 — Full List
What Tesla Model 3 Variants Are Still Available in Malaysia?
Despite the discontinuation, Tesla still offers four Model 3 variants in Malaysia. Here’s the full current lineup as of April 2026:
| Variant | Price (OTR) | Drivetrain | Range (WLTP) | 0-100 km/h | Motor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard RWD | RM147,600 | RWD | 534 km | 6.2s | Single |
| Premium RWD | RM169,000 | RWD | 520 km | 6.1s | Single |
| Premium Long Range RWD | RM185,000 | RWD | 750 km | ~5.2s | Single |
| Performance AWD | RM229,000 | AWD | 571 km | 3.1s | Dual |
Model 3 Standard RWD — The Entry Point
Launched in January 2026, the Model 3 Standard RWD starts at RM147,600, making it the cheapest Tesla you can buy in Malaysia. It offers a solid 534 km of WLTP range and hits 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The trade-off? A simpler audio system and fewer premium features compared to the Premium trim.
Model 3 Premium RWD — The Previous Base
At RM169,000, the Premium RWD is what most people knew as “the Model 3” before Tesla expanded the lineup. With 520 km of range and a 6.1-second sprint time, it’s virtually identical to the Standard in performance but comes with the full premium interior package.
Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD — The Range King
This is the standout for road-trippers. At RM185,000, the Premium Long Range RWD delivers an incredible 750 km of WLTP range — by far the longest range of any Model 3 variant. It’s rear-wheel drive only, which means no AWD grip, but the sheer range more than compensates for most Malaysian driving scenarios.
Model 3 Performance AWD — The Only Dual-Motor Left
At RM229,000, the Performance is now the sole AWD Model 3 in Malaysia. It rockets to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds with 571 km of range. You also get the exclusive 16-speaker audio system, Track Mode, and upgraded brakes. It’s a RM30,000 jump from the discontinued Long Range AWD — a significant premium for buyers who just wanted AWD without the full performance package.
ALSO READ: BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model Y Malaysia — Full Comparison
Why Did Tesla Discontinue the Long Range AWD?
Tesla hasn’t released an official statement, but several factors likely contributed:
- Lineup simplification — With the Model 3 Standard, Premium, Long Range RWD, and Performance already covering a wide price spread (RM147,600 to RM229,000), the Long Range AWD at RM199,000 sat awkwardly close to the Long Range RWD at RM185,000.
- Model Y cannibalisation — The refreshed Tesla Model Y range offers AWD options at competitive prices. Tesla may be pushing AWD-seeking buyers toward the Model Y instead.
- Global trend — Tesla has been rationalising Model 3 variants in several markets, focusing on RWD for efficiency and reserving AWD for the Performance tier.
- EV tax holiday ending — With Malaysia’s EV import duty and excise duty exemptions set to gradually phase out, Tesla may be pre-emptively trimming lower-margin variants.
Impact on Existing Tesla Model 3 LR AWD Owners
If you already own the Model 3 Long Range AWD, there’s no need to panic:
- Service & Parts: Tesla’s service centres in Malaysia (Cyberjaya, Bukit Jalil, Penang, Johor Bahru) will continue to service all Model 3 variants. Parts availability is not affected.
- Warranty: Your existing warranty remains fully valid. Tesla Malaysia warranties cover 8 years / 160,000 km for the battery and drive unit.
- Software Updates: Over-the-air (OTA) updates will continue as normal. Tesla does not end software support for discontinued variants.
- Resale Value: This is the wildcard. Discontinued variants can sometimes hold value better (scarcity premium), but they can also depreciate faster if buyers prefer currently-available models.
ALSO READ: EV Road Tax Malaysia 2026 — Rates & Exemptions
Best Alternatives to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD
If you were set on a dual-motor, AWD electric sedan in Malaysia, here are your best options:
BYD Seal Performance — The Value AWD Pick
The BYD Seal Performance is the most direct alternative at RM191,800 — that’s RM7,200 cheaper than what the Model 3 LR AWD used to cost. It packs:
- 530 PS / 670 Nm from dual motors
- 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds
- 520 km WLTP range
- 82.5 kWh LFP Blade battery
- DiSus-C adaptive suspension (new for 2026)
BMW i4 — The Premium European Choice
For those willing to spend more, the BMW i4 eDrive35 starts at RM278,800. It’s significantly pricier but delivers 286 hp / 400 Nm, 483–590 km range, premium German build quality, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system.
Comparison Table: AWD EV Sedans in Malaysia
| Spec | Tesla Model 3 Performance | BYD Seal Performance | BMW i4 eDrive35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | RM229,000 | RM191,800 | RM278,800 |
| Drivetrain | Dual motor AWD | Dual motor AWD | Single motor RWD |
| Power | ~460 hp | 530 PS | 286 hp |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.1s | 3.8s | ~5.7s |
| Range (WLTP) | 571 km | 520 km | 483–590 km |
| Battery | ~78.4 kWh | 82.5 kWh | 83.9 kWh |
| DC Fast Charge | 250 kW | 150 kW | 200 kW |
ALSO READ: EV vs Petrol Running Cost Malaysia — Full Comparison
Should You Still Buy a Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia?
Absolutely — the Model 3 remains one of the best EVs in Malaysia, even without the Long Range AWD option. Here’s how to choose:
- Best value: Model 3 Standard RWD at RM147,600 — cheapest Tesla, great range
- Best all-rounder: Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD at RM185,000 — 750 km range is unbeatable
- Best performance: Model 3 Performance at RM229,000 — 3.1s to 100, AWD grip, Track Mode
- Want AWD on a budget? Consider the BYD Seal Performance at RM191,800 instead
The key advantage Tesla still holds in Malaysia is the Supercharger network — with stations across the peninsula. For long-distance EV driving, Tesla’s charging infrastructure remains the most reliable in the country.
ALSO READ: Best Home EV Chargers Malaysia 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tesla Model 3 still available in Malaysia?
Yes. Tesla still sells four Model 3 variants in Malaysia: the Standard RWD (from RM147,600), Premium RWD (from RM169,000), Premium Long Range RWD (from RM185,000), and Performance AWD (from RM229,000). Only the Long Range AWD variant has been discontinued.
Why was the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD discontinued in Malaysia?
Tesla has not issued an official statement. The likely reasons include lineup simplification (the Long Range RWD at RM185,000 was too close in price), reduced demand for AWD in Malaysia’s tropical climate, and a global trend of reserving dual-motor setups for Performance variants only.
Will the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD come back to Malaysia?
There’s no indication it will return. Tesla’s global strategy is moving toward fewer variants per model. For now, the Performance (RM229,000) is your only AWD Model 3 choice.
What is the cheapest Tesla you can buy in Malaysia in 2026?
The Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD at RM147,600 is the most affordable Tesla currently on sale in Malaysia. It offers 534 km of WLTP range and was launched in January 2026.
How does the BYD Seal compare to the Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia?
The BYD Seal Performance (RM191,800) offers AWD with 530 PS and 3.8s acceleration — strong value compared to the Tesla Model 3 Performance (RM229,000). However, Tesla has the advantage in charging infrastructure (Supercharger network), software updates (OTA), and Autopilot capabilities.
Is now a good time to buy an EV in Malaysia?
Yes — from January 2026, EVs pay a new kW-based road tax with rates ranging from RM20 to RM300/year for most popular models, which is still significantly cheaper than petrol equivalents. However, import duty and excise duty exemptions are expected to phase out, which could make EVs more expensive in the future. Buying sooner rather than later is advisable.
Can I still get the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD as a demo unit?
As of early April 2026, only two demo units remain. Contact Tesla Malaysia directly or visit a Tesla showroom to check availability — these will likely sell quickly.
Written by Sarah Ibrahim | Last updated: April 2026